Step right up to meet the famously friendly Icelandic horse, take a ride through a geothermal valley and relax away your troubles in a naturally hot river near the town of Reykjadalur.
Icelandic horses are descended from those brought to Iceland by the very first settlers, and so they are a fiercely protected not often seen outside of Iceland. They are also renowned for their easy gait and ability to cover large distances while keeping their rider in comfort – a handy thing in pre-modern Iceland, when the horse was the main method of transportation. You'll spend about 6 hours riding today, covering about 19 km (almost 12 miles)!
You’ll start out a short distance in the countryside with a ride through the mountainous Hengill area. This volcano is still active, causing heated water to bubble up in a variety of fumaroles and hot springs here. In fact, Hengill provides much of the hydrothermal energy for the southern part of the country. A series of picturesque trails will take us into the rocky valley of Reykjudalur, where you will cross another steamy geothermal area.
The horses will rest as you relax in one of the warm rivers here, surrounded by waving green grasses and foreboding mountains in the distance. Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel!
Please note that there are no changing rooms in the valley near the river and no toilet facilities.
After you’ve dried off, you’ll mount up again for a ride past Hveragerði village and the surrounding farmland all the way to the land’s end. On a clear day, you might be able to view the Westman Islands off the coast.
Your ride will continue through the colorful geothermal Guðudalur valley, an area which expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008. The path then takes you through a green forest, along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain and back to the farm, where you’ll enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.
Take advantage of two of the most favorite activities in Iceland: riding through the countryside and relaxing in a hot spring! Check availability by choosing a date.
Starting time : 08:00
Pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík
Helmet
Rain gear (if needed)
Horseback riding (5-6 hours)
Lunch (Sandwich, cookies, water bottle)
Towel
Bathing Suit
Warm clothing and outerwear appropriate for chilly or rainy weather
Please note that there are no changing rooms in the valley near the river and no toilet facilities. Everyone is welcome on the tour, but should be in good physical condition, as there will be an easy 15-minute hike at one point.
It was good, but please build in a bathroom/toilet break on the way to the hot springs and on the way back. Hard on the ladies otherwise, esp. riding a horse. You could simply hold up blankets for privacy. Also, your guides were a bit impatient with some of the less-experienced riders, and kept hounding us when we felt okay and comfortable the way we were already riding. Finally, when your driver came to the hotel to pick me up, she called my name once in a very crowded hotel lobby and I couldn't see her. By the time I figured out my name was being called from somewhere--about 10 seconds--she had flown to the van and left! Ask them to wait till the guest can actually make their way through the crowds, okay? Otherwise I think the tour was really fun and I was glad I went.
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